The history of British Midland Airways dates all the way back to 1938. It grew gradually through the 1950s and 60s into a respectable independent airline. For many years during the 1970-90s the airline was a beacon of how to run an independent airline in the UK. It is a shame therefore that its recent passing seemed to go without a great deal of mourning, for its history was diverse, successful and interesting.

Canada's major two airlines both sprung from railroad companies at quite a late stage, when it was clear war was approaching and aviation was growing rapidly in the neighbouring USA. Trans Canada Airlines was started by the Crown Corporation Canadian National Railways (CNR) in 1937. From 1943-1947 TCA operated the Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service to provide trans-Atlantic military passenger and postal delivery service using Avro Lancastrian (modified Avro Lancaster) aircraft. Postwar the service became a civilian route.

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I'm Richard Stretton: a fan of classic airliners and airlines who enjoys exploring their history through my collection of die-cast airliners. If you enjoy the site please donate whatever you can to help keep it running: